Cocaine in America: Use Rising Under the Radar

There is absolutely no denying at this point the severity and urgency of the opioid epidemic in the U.S. Synthetic opioids like fentanyl and semi-synthetic opioids like prescription painkillers or heroin are destroying countless lives across the nation. But we cannot drop our guard on the other very real threats that are a lot bigger than some may believe. One of these threats is the re-emergence of cocaine.

According to the annual Drug Threat Assessment by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), cocaine use is actually on the rise.

While the world has been watching closely how opioids have been making a devastating impact, cocaine has quietly infected the country.

Influx of Smuggling

As the nation’s primary supplier, Colombian drug cartels make enormous profits from the illegal drug trade. In 2016:

92% of cocaine seized in the U.S. came from Columbia

The rest of the cocaine in the U.S. originates in Peru

Reports from DEA officials now indicate that cartels are producing more powder and developing even more innovative tactics to get it into the country, all to keep up with increasing demand. So while many are quick to jump on the idea that this is a foreign problem, we have to remember the demand is right here at home, too.

Those in the business of smuggling often go the extra mile to make sure their product reaches the U.S. market because it is extremely profitable for them.

Attempts by law enforcement to stop cocaine smuggling have forced many drug traffickers to find some creative hiding places. In July of 2016 there were a few unique examples:

Underwater

50 feet below the water’s surface, just off the coast of Key West, Florida, divers discovered five kilos of cocaine hidden on the ocean floor.

Fuel Tanks

Smugglers used a false compartment in the fuel tank of a tractor trailer’s to hide their drug shipment.

Shaving kits

Officials discovered over 12.7 kilograms mixed in with a load of shaving kits in a tractor-trailer heading for Pennsylvania.

Problems this Cocaine Creates

Of course, the DEA believes the recent flood in the production and distribution of cocaine will correlate to its increased use. Officials not only expect to see cocaine smugglers trying even more bizarre or creative ways to get their drugs into the country, but they’re also expecting to see a strong uptick of cocaine-related issues in American communities. This includes:

More cocaine-related overdoses

Increase in cocaine-related deaths

Increase in seizures of shipments

Positive workplace drug tests

Drug enforcement agents are sure to come up against even more resourceful schemes by traffickers trying to expand their market and capitalize on the potential consumers all over the nation.

Knowing the Risks

With so much tragedy surrounding opioid abuse and addiction, we might forget how serious the dangers related to cocaine abuse really are. Cocaine is plenty deadly enough to consider a real risk.

This potent stimulant causes many extreme changes in the body that can lead to harmful and potentially fatal reactions. This drug causes an increased heart rate and other heart-related issues that can be deadly. The drug also elevates blood pressure, which can cause stroke and other severe side effects. Other side effects include:

Insomnia

Itching

Vomiting

Irritability

Nasal infections

Chest pain

Hallucinations

Rapid breathing

Nose Bleeds

Twitching

Bruxism or grinding teeth

Constricted blood vessels

The possibility of overdose is extremely high. Even one single dose can be lethal. Research has shown that even in small amounts, the drug may cause:

Irregular heart rhythm

Elevated blood pressure

Death due to heart attack

Then, if we go back to the conversation concerning opioids, we find that drug dealers have recently begun adding the exceedingly potent and deadly synthetic opioid fentanyl into cocaine to increase their profits. This incredibly deadly mixture has led to an even greater increase in overdose deaths.

Staying Vigilant

As the country continues to find new ways to deal with the opioid crisis, we have to stay vigilant when it comes to other dangerous drugs. It isn’t just cocaine. Other illicit substances have also begun to see a rise in abuse. The opioid epidemic should still be a priority, but we have to also be aware of the other factors in the country’s drug problem.

A critical part of overcoming the country’s drug problem is providing effective treatment resources. If we do our best to curb the demand for some of the drugs, it could render the supply of such substances unnecessary.

Detox for cocaine addictioncan make a huge difference for the user by helping with any and all of the cocaine withdrawal symptoms. Due to the intense nature of addiction and the discomforts of cocaine withdrawal, medical detox should be designed to promote physical wellbeing and emotional support. If you or someone you love is struggling, please call toll-free now 1-800-777-9588